June 13, 2025

Severe Flash Flooding Causes Multiple Fatalities in San Antonio

News Summary

Severe flash flooding in San Antonio has led to the deaths of at least five individuals, with two still missing. Unprecedented rainfall of over 5 inches within hours created hazardous conditions, prompting over 70 water rescues. Roads have been closed throughout the city, and recovery efforts are ongoing as first responders search for those unaccounted for. The flooding has also resulted in power outages affecting thousands of residents, highlighting the impact of extreme weather on the region.

San Antonio, Texas

At least five people have died and two others are missing due to severe flash flooding in San Antonio, Texas, caused by heavy rains not experienced in the area for over a decade. The devastating impacts were felt early Thursday morning, particularly near the Perrin Beitel neighborhood in the northeastern part of the city. Water rescue operations began shortly after 5:00 a.m. CDT, alongside the rapidly rising floodwaters.

The San Antonio Fire Department confirmed that they have performed more than 70 water rescues since the heavy rainfall commenced. In total, fifteen vehicles were swept away by flooding, with ten individuals being rescued from trees and bushes approximately one mile downstream from where they initially entered the water. Of those rescued, four required treatment for minor injuries, highlighting the dangers posed by the rapidly escalating situation.

Currently, a search operation is underway for the two individuals who remain missing and are feared to have been swept away in the floods. As first responders continue their work, the flooding has forced the closure of over two dozen roads throughout San Antonio, with authorities urging residents to avoid driving on flooded streets as conditions remain hazardous.

Details of the Flooding Incident

The severe rainfall event began shortly after midnight, leading to an unprecedented accumulation of approximately 5.6 inches within just three hours, with nearly four inches falling in the first hour alone. This level of rainfall is classified as a 1-in-50 to 1-in-100 year occurrence, designating the heavy downpour as notably rare based on historical data.

As a result of this extreme weather event, Thursday marked San Antonio’s second-wettest June day on record and the seventh-wettest single day since 1942. The city normally receives just over 3 inches of rain for the entire month of June, indicating that more than a month’s worth of rain fell within a single hour.

Regional Impact and Ongoing Challenges

The flooding has also led to significant power outages across Texas, impacting over 57,000 customers. Additionally, areas such as Bexar County reported the closure of 40 low water crossings, alongside similar closures in neighboring Comal and Hays counties. In Victoria, Texas, approximately 25 calls were made from stranded motorists, but fortunately, no injuries were reported in that area.

While floodwaters on some roadways are beginning to recede, ongoing concerns about river flooding remain, particularly along the San Antonio River, which rose dramatically from roughly 3 feet to over 25 feet in two hours. Portions of Leon Creek and Salado Creek in San Antonio have reached a major flood stage, suggesting that extensive flooding could ensue in adjacent regions.

The National Weather Service has advised residents that it may take hours for floodwaters from the earlier storms to fully recede through the local drainage systems. Predictions indicate that rivers, including the San Antonio, San Bernard, and Guadalupe, may not return to normal levels until the upcoming weekend.

Climatic Context

A recent study highlights a concerning trend regarding rainfall intensity in the U.S. Since 1970, nearly 90% of large cities have experienced increased intensity of hourly rainfall, which is attributed to climate change and its effects on atmospheric moisture. This context is particularly pertinent as San Antonio and its surrounding regions navigate the aftermath of this devastating flash flooding event.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Flooding in San Antonio Claims Lives and Displaces Residents
Severe Flooding Hits San Antonio, Resulting in Tragedy
Severe Flash Flooding Hits San Antonio
Severe Weather Alerts Issued for San Antonio Area
San Antonio Faces Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding
Maroon SUV Plunges into Trench After Water Main Break in San Antonio
Flash Flooding Disrupts San Antonio Commute
Severe Weather Prompts Governor’s Emergency Measures Across Texas
San Antonio Faces Intense Heatwave This Weekend
Corpus Christi and San Antonio Rank Among Most Boring Cities

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

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